#106 Summary of Photosynthesis

1 In photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll pigments and converted to chemical energy, which is used to produce complex organic molecules.

 2 In the light-dependent reactions, water is split by photolysis to give hydrogen ions, electrons and oxygen. The hydrogen ions and electrons are used to reduce the carrier molecule, NADP, and the oxygen is given off as a waste product.

#105 Limiting factors in photosynthesis

A limiting factor is a factor that controls a process. Light intensity, temperature and, CO2 concentration and availability of H2O are all factors which can control the rate of photosynthesis.

#104 Separating chlorophyll pigments by Thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Chromatography is a method of separation that relies on the different solubilities of different solutes in a solvent. A mixture of chlorophyll pigments is dissolved in a solvent, and then a small spot is placed onto chromatography paper. The solvent gradually moves up the paper, carrying the solutes with it. The more soluble the solvent, the further up the paper it is carried.

#103 The light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)

The light-independent reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplast, where the enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, usually known as rubisco, is found.

# 102 The light-dependent reactions, Photophosphorilation

Chlorophyll molecules in photosystern I (PSI) and photosystern II (PSII) absorb light energy. The energy excites electrons, raising their energy level so that they leave the chlorophyll. The chlorophyll is said to be photo-activated.

#101 Photosynthetic Pigments

Photosynthetic pigments are pigments presented in chloroplasts or photosynthetic bacteria. They capture light energy necessary for photosynthesis and convert it to chemical energy. 

#100 Chloroplasts

Photosynthesis takes place inside chloroplasts.

#99 Photosynthesis overview

Photosynthesis is a series of reactions in which energy transferred as light is transformed to chemical energy.

#98 Photosynthesis Syllabus 2016-2018

13.1  Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process
13.2  Investigation of limiting factors
13.3  Adaptations for photosynthesis